Paige Valeski, Richard Thomas, and Elisabeth Bradley Recognized as Young Conaway 2025 Pro Bono Award Honorees
Young Conaway is proud to recognize the exceptional pro bono efforts of our attorneys through the presentation of two annual awards.
- The H. James Conaway, Jr. Award, given for exemplary pro bono contributions by a Partner or Counsel, has been awarded to Richard Thomas and Elisabeth Bradley.
- The William F. Taylor Award, which honors substantial contributions by an Associate to pro bono efforts, has been awarded to Paige Valeski.
The Pro Bono Committee solicited nominations for its annual awards and the responses were overwhelming. Young Conaway had the honor of Chief Justice Seitz asking our firm to brief and argue pro bono publico a constitutional law matter. The case was highly expedited and the team of Martin Lessner (previously recognized with The H. James Conaway, Jr. Award), Rich Thomas, Elisabeth Bradley and Paige Valeski, worked tirelessly, in addition to managing their other clients.
During oral argument, the Chief Justice stated from the bench that Young Conaway’s service was “in the finest traditions of the Delaware Bar.”
Partner Richard Thomas receives The H. James Conaway, Jr. Award, presented by Firm Chair and Partner Robert Brady.
Partner Elisabeth Bradley receives The H. James Conaway, Jr. Award, presented by Firm Chair and Partner Robert Brady.
Associate M. Paige Valeski receives The H. William F. Taylor Award, presented by Firm Chair and Partner Robert Brady.
The Firm is pleased to recognize the outstanding pro bono contributions of its attorneys.
In 2024, Young Conaway attorneys dedicated 8,986 hours to pro bono matters, continuing a long-standing tradition rooted in our firm’s founding values. Our founders believed strongly in using their legal skills to serve those in need—a principle that continues to thrive across the firm today.
Each year, we recognize one associate and one partner or counsel for their exceptional dedication to pro bono service. Honorees receive the William F. Taylor Award and the H. James Conaway, Jr. Award, each accompanied by a donation to a charity of the recipient’s choice.
Our pro bono work spans a wide range of critical legal needs, including:
Child protection matters
Immigration advocacy
Protection from abuse
Legal services for nonprofit and community-based organizations
Fundraising and support for local groups serving vulnerable populations
Young Conaway encourages all attorneys to pursue pro bono matters that align with their passions. As a result, we continue to exceed year-over-year benchmarks for time devoted to serving the community and remain steadfast in our mission to make a meaningful impact beyond the courtroom.